Disc 1 1. Feel Like A Stranger [8:12]2. West L. A. Fadeaway [7:41]3. Easy To Love You [6:14]4. Beat It On Down The Line [3:34]5. It Must Have Been The Roses [6:29]6. The Last Time [5:40]7. Picasso Moon [7:07]8. Don't Ease Me In [3:30]

In his "Producer's Note" in the beautiful book that is part of the box, Lemieux, who attended the first 10 shows on the tour, states, "To my ears this was the last tour that was consistently great, where every show is excellent, not a dud in the bunch." And Grateful Dead historian Dennis McNally's comprehensive and informative insider's essay in the box is titled "The Last Great Dead Tour." These guys know what they're talking about.

Basically, the band had been on an upward trajectory since Garcia's return to the road in the spring of '87, following his near-death the previous summer. Of course, 1987 was a trip in itself, what with the unexpected mega-success of In the Dark and their first hit single, "Touch of Grey." But the momentum just kept building with each subsequent tour, as Garcia got back up to full speed (and then some!) and the group as a whole was as unified as they had ever been since Brent joined the band in the spring of '79. New original tunes were popping up and the old favorites were imbued with a freshness and spirit that was so uplifting and inspiring. The band was having fun again, and it was downright infectious.

The group's fall 1989 shows-as documented two years ago on the Formerly the Warlocks box (two shows from Hampton, VA, 10/8-9/89) and on the 2001 release Nightfall of Diamonds (a single night in NJ, 10/16/89)- kicked the energy level up another couple of notches, as the band reintroduced such loved classics as "Help on the Way" > "Slipknot!," "Attics of My Life," "Death Don't Have No Mercy" and "Dark Star."

And when the band hit the road in mid-March 1990, they had a bunch of other cool tunes to lay on their unsuspecting crowds, including the return of "Loose Lucy" (last played in 1974; it's not on this box), Brent's "Easy to Love You" (missing since 1980), a rollicking cover of the Rolling Stones' "The Last Time," The Band's "The Weight" (with all four singers taking a verse each) and a lyrically retooled "Black-Throated Wind" (absent since 1974), which elicited huge cheers every time it was played.

Over these six shows, most of the cornerstones of the Dead's repertoire from the era appear-splendid versions of "Scarlet Begonias" > "Fire on the Mountain," "China Cat Sunflower" > "I Know You Rider," "Playing in the Band," "Uncle John's Band," "Eyes of the World," "Estimated Prophet," "Truckin'," "Sugar Magnolia," "The Other One," "Terrapin," "Stella Blue," "Feel Like a Stranger," "Bird Song," "Let It Grow," "China Doll," "Box of Rain," "Morning Dew"; you name it. From the fall '89 breakouts come "Help-Slip-Frank," "Attics of My Life" and "Death Don't Have No Mercy." Among the still newish tunes are "Picasso Moon," "Blow Away," "Foolish Heart," "Just a Little Light," "Victim or the Crime," "Standing on the Moon," "We Can Run" and a couple that would get their final plays from the Grateful Dead on this tour-"Built to Last" and "Believe It or Not." There are stirring renditions of "Dear Mr. Fantasy" and "Black Muddy River," rockin' takes on "Gimme Some Lovin'" and "Iko Iko" and the only version of the full "Hey Jude" the band attempted in the modern era. And the "Rhythm Devils" and "Space" jams at the heart of each second set are as noisy-beautiful-scary-funny-intense-mysterious-wild as you'd expect/hope for.

Of course, we understand that some of you may have other favorite shows from this tour you wish were included on this box. Really, you can't go wrong with any of them. But at 18 discs, this is still the second largest Grateful Dead box (after Europe '72: The Complete Recordings) that's been released, and the non-inclusion of any other shows from the tour definitely does not preclude their future release! But this seemed like a more manageable way to go, while still giving a sense of the tour's amazing depth and breadth.

Besides the discs themselves, Grateful Dead: Spring 1990 has much to offer, including: a gorgeous 60-page hardcover book containing copious color photos by Jim Anderson and Michael Laurentus, unique artwork by Brooklyn-based fine artist Wes Lang, fascinating business letters and communications related to the tour, a detailed historical essay by Dennis McNally, a Producer's Note by David Lemieux and individual show descriptions by Blair Jackson; a reproduction of the Dead's 1990 tour program (printed and sold later in '90, for the fall and Europe '90 tours); tickets and backstage passes of all six shows; a band publicity photo from 1990 by Ken Friedman; Dennis McNally's tour laminate; and reproductions of the colored 8x10 sheets GDTS sent out with hotel, food and other information for each city on the tour.

With recordings made by longtime Grateful Dead recordist and producer John Cutler, mastered by Jeffrey Norman in HDCD, you just know it's gonna sound great-and it does!

So, that's the skinny this time 'round. This box is limited to just 9,000 numbered copies - please note, this is the only time these shows will ever be officially available on CD. There will not be an All Music Edition and single shows will not be available physically. Due to ship out August 31st, we anticipate that this extraordinary set will sell-out, so order your copy today!

If you're looking for more of a bite-sized taste of the '90s, Spring 1990: So Glad You Made It, a 2-CD set featuring a handful of favorites, will be in stores on September 18th.

This item is now available for PRE-ORDER ONLY. Item is estimated to ship November 1, 2012.

This limited edition of 12,000 numbered copies (with just 2800 copies left for purchase) will definitely sell out - and fast - don't delay!

Dave’s Picks 4 Features Unheard Fall ’76 Soundboard

Where does the time go? Is this really the end of Year One of the phenomenally successful Dave’s Picks series? Why, it seems like only yesterday that we were promising to blow your little minds with our initial offering from 1977. Well, it’s time to dip into that Golden Decade one mo’ time, as we unveil Dave’s Picks Volume 4: College of William & Mary, 9/24/76.

That’s right, rabid collectors—you read that date correctly. We have located the uncirculated soundboard master reels of this highly regarded show and are pleased as (psychedelic) punch to send it your way for your listening and dancing pleasure!

The Dead had played a pair of fine shows at William & Mary—located in the history-rich town of Williamsburg, Virginia (raise your hand if you own a three-cornered hat from your visit to Colonial Williamsburg when you were 10)—three years earlier (9/11-12/73), and obviously dug the vibe enough to warrant a return during one of their “comeback” tours following their hiatus. The concert at William & Mary Hall was the second show of the Dead’s brief fall East and Midwest swing, and it stands as one of the strongest outings from this period—its best moments up to the level of the following 9/25 and 9/28 shows that made up the superb Dick’s Picks Vol. 20 (released in 2001) and the October 9 and 10 Oakland Stadium shows that became Dicks Picks Vol. 33 (2004).

The first set is packed with goodies. The bouncy “Sugaree” stretches to about 10 minutes, and “Looks Like Rain” is a true thing of beauty. “Cassidy” finds Bob and Donna in lovely harmony, while “Big River” has plenty of kick. But the real gold in this first set is to be found in the 21-minute closing sequence of “Playing in the Band” > “Supplication” > “Playing” reprise. This was one of only two times in the Dead’s history that the full, sung “Supplication” appeared without its usual partner, “Lazy Lightning,” and it’s a wonderful version. It emerges quite naturally out of one of those drifty but intense “Playing” jams so characteristic of ’76, builds nicely, and then goes full-throttle for a couple of minutes, before floating back to the “Playing.” Niiiiice!

Following one of Bob’s more humorous exhortations to “take a step back” (in which he urges folks to give each other a sharp jab with their elbows) the band kicks into the still-new “Might As Well,” followed by another ’76 introduction, “Samson and Delilah.” A couple of songs later, they roll into “Help on the Way” > “Slipknot!” and the latter finds the whole band conversing at a very high level as they negotiate that piece’s many strange turns. Bill and Mickey take over for a spell before the whole ensemble reconvenes for a breakneck return to “Slipknot!” and then a loping entrance into “Franklin’s Tower.” “The Music Never Stopped” surprises coming out of “Franklin’s” and then Jerry pilots an emotional “Stella Blue”; another highlight. A couple of rockers bring the show to satisfying end.

As most of you know by now, because of the large number of people who bought the full year’s subscription to the limited edition Dave’s Picks series, we have only a few thousand copies of the 3-CD Dave’s Picks Vol. 4 for sale individually. So you better jump on it pronto or you will forever be filled with that awful feeling of regret.

As always, the original tapes have been lovingly mastered to HDCD specs by Jeffrey Norman, and the beautifully designed package includes a colorful booklet with photos and a historical essay — in this case by the esteemed curator of the Grateful Dead Archive at UC Santa Cruz, Nicholas Meriwether. Check out the complete set list below and ordering information above. And keep a keen eye out for next year’s Dave’s Picks subscription offer!